Chatham-Kent-Leamington's member of provincial parliament is worried a snag in a Leamington company's expansion will deter others from bringing their business to the area.
Nature Fresh Farms was slated to extend its Leamington greenhouse operation by 32-acres this year. However, hydro capacity issues have delayed the project.
MPP Rick Nicholls says this is a sign the Ontario government isn't doing enough to accomodate growth in rural Ontario.
"These are very bright, sharp-minded business people in the greenhouse operations," says Nicholls. "But the fact that we have rising hydro rates, they're moving to jurisdictions are considerably lower."
Nature Fresh has already done this, in a way. Last year Nature Fresh confirmed they'd be spending $200-million to expand in Ohio over the next six years, while still maintaining operations in Leamington.
Nicholls is concerned the problem will only get worse and could spread to other companies in Leamington and Chatham-Kent.
"Five years ago the cost [for the hydro] was around $100-million. A few years ago the cost had dropped to $80--million, but I believe the longer it's delayed, that price is going to go up even more," says Nicholls.
Nicholls has spoken to two energy ministers about expanding hydro in the past, and hopes the third time is the charm with new minister Glenn Thibeault, with whom he hopes to meet with soon.
